Dr. Jennifer Mata

Dr. Jennifer Mata’s lecture is titled “Emma Tenayuca: Tejana Activist and her Struggle Against Injustice.”  She will talk about Tenayuca, born in 1916, who became one of San Antonio’s most outspoken and passionate social justice organizers.  She is most noted for the 1938 Pecan Sheller’s Strike. She fervently led Mexican American communities in San Antonio to fight for equal pay and fair treatment.  Placing an emphasis on why Tejana/Chicana history is important to the larger historical narrative, her presentation will highlight how her race, class, and gender, in combination with her Tejana cultural identity empowered her to lead some of the most enduring struggles in San Antonio’s history.